Stone Circle

Fieldnotes

Don't look in amongst the trees as the circle isn't there. Some maps misleadingly place the circle in the middle of Strone Wood. Leaving Alford and heading west on the A944 towards Aberdeen take Castle Road and head south until the first corner which leads to the east. Keep going until Dikehead Cottages. Opposite here there is an under used path follow this until a dis-used farm is reached, about 1 mile. The circle is a short way uphill behind it and not, as mentioned, amongst the trees.

I found it just as darkness was beginning to fall. Snow had just started to fall also, giving a rather beautiful and peaceful feeling to the scene. In 1897 five stones were re-erected but unfortunately only two remain standing. Burl descibed this as elfin, unique and frail as youngsters unable to lift heavy weights. He was, of course, referring to the size of the stones and sets the picture perfectly.

I hope the pictures do justice as nature on that day, along with the ancients many many years ago must have been..... freezing!!